17mn housing deficits: Adoption of international housing model ‘ll address menace ―Dangote

BUSINESS magnate and owner of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has suggested that the adoption of an international mass housing model will help Nigeria address the 17 million housing deficits.

He also keyed into the proposed N500 Billion recapitalization of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) saying this will help boost the bank’s efforts at improved service delivery.

Dangote made the disclosure when he, alongside the Chief Executive of the BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu paid a visit to the FMBN headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Ahmed Kawoji, Dangote said keying into such models would not be out of place as such had worked in other countries.

His words: “Count me as a friend of FMBN. We are open to collaborating and supporting the good work that your bank is doing towards ensuring the provision of affordable housing to medium and low-income earners in Nigeria”.

According to the statement, Dangote expressed his readiness through his company to collaborate with FMBN towards lowering the housing deficit by increasing the tempo and scale of social housing provision across the country.

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Also, the Chairman, BUA Group of Companies, Rabiu reiterated his commitment to a close partnership with FMBN.

“I am committed to forging a partnership that will add value to FMBN’s work and I look forward to furthering engagements in this regard”.

In his remarks, FMBN Board Chairman, Dr Adewale Adeeyo, on behalf of the Board and management applauded the two business moguls for their visit and good intentions to partner with FMBN.

He assured the businessmen that FMBN will work closely with them to realise the partnerships.

Both businessmen have vast investments in manufacturing, infrastructure and agriculture are Africa’s two largest producers of cement, a critical input in the housing construction industry.